The CSE, having had a eleven-day bull run, took a dip downwards yesterday due to global economic tensions and uncertainty, market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices indicated mixed reactions. The All Share Price Index went down by 45.8 points, while the S and P SL20 rose by 1.8 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.12 billion with nine crossings.

Top seven crossings were reported in JKH, where 11 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 259 million; its shares traded at Rs 22.70, Cargills 200,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 160 million; its shares traded at Rs 800, Commercial Bank 675,000 shares crossed for Rs 148.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 220, Citizens Developments Business Finance 280,000 shares crossed forRs 104 million; its shares traded at Rs 370.

Royal Ceramics 2.1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 103 million; its shares sold at Rs 50, LOLC Holdings 50000 shares crossed for Rs 28.9 million; its shares traded at Rs 577 and Tokyo Cement (Non-Voting) 250,000 shares crossed for Rs 23.6 million; its shares sold at Rs 94.50.

In the retail market top seven companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Royal Ceramics Rs 265 million (5.3 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 250 million (1.1 million shares traded), Prime Lands Residencies Rs 176 million (4.7 million shares traded), Sampath Bank Rs 144 million (934,000 shares traded), JKH Rs 140 million (6.1 million shares traded ), LOLC Holdings Rs 140 million (242,000 shares traded) and Grain Elevators Rs 127 million (247,000 shares traded).

During the day 157 million shares volumes changed hands in 40600 transactions.

It is said that the manufacturing sector, especially JKH and Royal Ceramics, performed well while the banking sector, especially Commercial Bank and Sampath Bank, were also active at the floor.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 309.10/30 to the US dollar in the spot market, from Rs 309.00/30 the previous day, having depreciated in recent weeks, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady.

The telegraphic transfer rates for the American dollar were 305.7500 buying, 312.7500 selling; the British pound was 409.6281 buying, and 420.9463 selling, and the euro was 354.1674 buying, 365.5556 selling.

By Hiran H Senewiratne

The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 concluded with industry leaders and regulators establishing two critical national priorities: a bold target to reduce physical cash usage and a push for consolidated regulatory oversight.

In a key decision, participants set a clear three-year goal to lower the ratio of cash in circulation to GDP from 4.5% to 3.5%. The strategy will focus on digitizing high-cash sectors like transport, utilities, and SME payments, while expanding digital access through post offices and cooperatives.

For the long-term health of the ecosystem, stakeholders agreed to lobby for the creation of a single, unified regulatory authority dedicated to fintech oversight. This aims to streamline approvals and provide clearer guidance for innovators.

“Our members needed to leave with concrete action points,” said Channa de Silva, Chairman of the Fintech Forum, Sri Lanka. The summit, designed as a series of closed-door roundtables with regulators including the Central Bank, produced actionable frameworks. “It was about defining KPIs, setting targets, and giving the industry a shared direction,” de Silva explained.

The outcomes signal a concerted shift from discussion to execution, aiming to build a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital financial economy for Sri Lanka.

By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️

A new force in Sri Lanka’s food industry, Kukus Group, is gaining momentum with a clear vision to deliver authentic cuisine, high hygiene standards, and affordability. Founded by young entrepreneurs Nadeera Senanayaka, Lakmini Gurusinghe, and Randila Gunasinghe, the group has successfully launched its pilot outlet and is now preparing for a significant nationwide expansion.

The inaugural  in Kotte has served as a successful proof of concept. Operating for five months, this modern street-food outlet has garnered a strong customer response, confirming market demand and providing the confidence to fund the group’s ambitious growth strategy.

The inaugural in Kotte

“The positive reception has been overwhelming and has solidified our plans,” said Lakmini Gurusinghe and Randila Gunasinghe. “Our Kotte outlet is the operational model we will replicate – ensuring consistent quality, disciplined operations, and excellent service across all future locations.”

The group’s expansion strategy is built on three distinct thematic brands:

Kukus Street: Targeting young urban customers, these outlets offer a vibrant, casual dining experience with a menu of Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, snacks, and BBQ, with most meals priced under Rs. 1,500. Services include dine-in, takeaway, and delivery.

Kukus Beach: Planned for coastal areas, beginning in the South, this concept will feature an urban-style beach restaurant and pub designed for relaxed social dining.

Kukus Bioscope: Celebrating Sri Lanka’s cinematic heritage, this dedicated restaurant concept will create a nostalgic cultural space inspired by the golden eras of Sinhala cinema, with the first outlet slated for Colombo.

The immediate plan includes transforming the flagship Kotte location into Kukus Pub & Bar, pending regulatory approvals. The long-term vision is to develop 18 outlets nationwide: 10 Kukus Street locations, 5 Kukus Beach venues, and 3 Kukus Bioscope establishments.

“Kukus Group is more than a hospitality brand; it’s a celebration of Sri Lankan flavors and culture,” the founders concluded. “Our mission is to build trusted, recognizable brands that connect deeply with communities and offer lasting cultural value alongside authentic cuisine. We are dynamic and excited to proceed with this strategic expansion,” they said.

By Sanath Nanayakkare